Futbol Americas: Barcelona & Raphinha Flying+Poch Could Leave Before 2030+Messi or Quiñones for Ballon d'Or+MLS Action

23:59I don't mind, on the whole, the attitude of players to be watching the World Cup on TV or live in the stadium, as the case may have been, and thinking, I should be there. I could have done this here, or I could have been useful there, because that is something that any of us who were young players at any point thought every time that our national team was playing, And it's like, why am I not there? I could help the team do this. And it is just thinking that you are the competitor that you are and feeling like you can be useful to a team. Now, you come to learn as you get older that it's not as easy as you watch it on TV.

24:37And so, therefore, it must be easy to do on the field at the national team level. I can picture a young Casey Keller watching Tony Maola or David Van Oli and thinking I could be doing better than this guy, which may have been the case or not. So I don't mind that attitude of thinking, I'm going to put myself in a position in which, if given an opportunity, I could help the team. I don't mind that. What I do mind is, I think it was Goso in particular who said, I deserve to be in the World Cup. And maybe it's the nuances that Casey is talking about in terms of how to express yourself and not having the experience to do this through the media and and through these platforms um deserve is not the word yeah because it would have been great for him to have been part of it but when he's saying he deserved it meaning that means that there are others in that group because somebody else would have to have been taken out that didn't deserve it And it also speaks to a level of play and a consistency of play that is necessary for a national team player to be part of a World Cup team that, frankly, he just doesn't have and hasn't had.

26:00He may be good enough to be part of the national team from here on out, and he may be good enough to be part of the World Cup team in 2030. But to say now that he deserved it, didn't quite care for that too much. I'm going to give both of them a pass because there are platforms now that were not available 30 years ago. This podcast, we're not around. So even a guy like Lionel Messi was not getting this sort of platform to talk about what he deserved or didn't deserve. Those platforms exist now. We live in a different reality in a different world and they're taking advantage of it. Yeah, well, it's definitely not just some of the youngsters for the U.S.

26:39men's national team that are looking to get a run out. Some fringe players as well. And as usual, our Jeff Carlisle has been very busy at work. Look out for his latest piece dropping tomorrow on ESPN.com about some of the fringe players who are looking to make their way back into Mauricio Pochettino's roster, at least for this next cycle leading up to the World Cup. But Jeff, of course, the next FIFA window is coming up. We are expecting a roster release around next Thursday. So who is looking for a fresh start as early as next week?

27:10Mauricio Pochettino:Well, I would say Yunus Moussa has really experienced a renaissance almost at AC Milan. I mean, you think about what he was going through last year. He went on loan to Atalanta. He never really established himself in that team, really struggled to get consistent playing time. And to no one's surprise, he slid further and further down the depth chart to such an extent that when the roster was announced, it was not a surprise to anyone that he was not on it. But so far this year, there's a new manager, Ruben Amarim, with NAC Milan. And he's really trusting Younis Moussa to be part of that central midfield alongside Luka Modric.

27:50Mauricio Pochettino:I mean, it's almost as if Moussa is kind of the perfect counterweight. You've got Modric spraying passes all over the place. And then you've got Moussa doing the defensive work, but also carrying the ball out of trouble, kind of breaking pressure in a different way than Modric. and he's able to really help the team at both ends of the field. In the last game against Juventus, late in the match, he's got a defensive header deep in his box that if he doesn't get to that, it's probably a goal. So already he's played 90 minutes three times for Milan. That's as many 90-minute stints as he had all of last season.

28:27Mauricio Pochettino:So you're talking about a player in Yunus Musa that has really kind of, I don't want to say reinvented himself, but resurrected himself. And, you know, given that he's getting consistent playing time, it would not surprise me at all to see him get called in. Aiden Morris is another player who I think is playing really well so far this season. He's adding a little bit more attack to his game. He scored his first goal for the club recently, but he's also taking more shots at a much higher rate than he has in the past. You know, he's always been a bit of a bulldog and a guy who could link play. So, you know, we'll see if he gets another chance.

29:01Mauricio Pochettino:And then there's a guy like Johnny Cardoso, who everyone knows that he's never really showed his best for the U.S. men's national team. But, you know, he does have a skill set that Mariso Pochettino admires. Just his calmness on the ball, his ability to link the play, you know, take the sting out of the game if that's what the game calls for. You know, and he was a late injury victim towards the end of the World Cup cycle for 2026. So, you know, he's another guy that I think could get called in. And, you know, we'll see now if he's able to make a name for himself and prove his worth at international level.

29:37Yeah, a couple of names there in the mix. Casey, but I want to touch on the main point that Jeff was bringing about there. Yunus Moussa, do you believe he deserves a look in or who else would you like to see for these next friendlies? No, I think Yunus has made the biggest point, I think, with his club form. And I think that's the most important thing is, particularly for guys that kind of got left off the team for whatever reason, is go play well for your club. Go reestablish yourself week in and week out and give the manager something to think about. And that's all you can do. And if Pochettino says, you know what, you're not my kind of player, hey, so be it.

30:17He's the coach. But just go play. I'm also interested in a couple guys, and this isn't necessarily for this camp, but I think just going forward after Pochettino re-signed is looking at someone like Diego Luna, looking at someone like Tanner Tessman, two guys who most people felt were going to be on the World Cup squad. They get left off. Then how do they reintegrate themselves back? And is there an edge to their play, or is it still kind of pouty? So I'm interested to see how that all goes down as well. And then, obviously, the next phase is, you know, who of these bright young kids coming through are going to establish themselves, are going to kind of step into that team, and we're going to go, oh, okay, that's good.

31:06You can do all your talking. You can say all that garbage. But go step, when you get the opportunity, I want to see you prove it. Yeah, Ali, I know he's definitely not a fringe player, but is Christian Pulisic someone you'd like to see play in any of these friendlies? where we call up for this window? Honestly, I don't care. I don't think, and more importantly, I don't think he's too concerned about it. Well, that's where I was kind of leaning to, especially after Gold Cup and all of that. Well, you know, it is four matches, so you would assume, and if indeed we think of Christian Pulisic as a flag bearer for his team.

31:43And to kind of put to bed some of the chatter that questioned his commitment to the team? Look, he could play 90 minutes for all four matches, and that question will still be there or thereabouts. He is one of those guys that chose not to come and play a Gold Cup. So, yeah, he's one of those guys. He's part of that conversation. And that apparently was going to set him up for success in his club team. It didn't quite work out that way. But point being, if indeed you're the leader of the team or you're the flag bearer and you have built momentum with the World Cup and the World Cup performance of the United States men's national team, then your superstar has to be in the first column.

32:30He has to be. He has to be. Now, whether he plays in all four games, whether he sticks around for the whole camp, I don't know about all that. But he needs to be part of the picture. Because if indeed you're bringing young guys, you're bringing young guys in, you're going to ease them into the group. And then you need the veteran presence. Christian Pulisic is now part of the veteran presence. And he is indeed the standard for these young guys. They want to get to his level and beyond. So he needs to be part of the measuring stick for these young guys. When they show up to a training session, Christian Pulisic is there.

33:14It generates a level of expectation for the young guys. So, yes, he should be here. But he has to care in order for me to care. He has to be engaged in order for me to be engaged. And at times, and I like Chris Simplistic, but at times there's been moments in which he has thought more about himself, his career, his future, and not so much the national team. I think that's a fair statement. I'm not making this up. Sometimes he has prioritized what he thinks is most important, and that has been his career instead of the national team. perhaps, perhaps it's time for him to start prioritizing his role as one of the leaders of this team and how important it is to start off the new cycle with him being part of the call-up.

34:02Well, Jeff has a sly smirk on his face. So, Jeff, you want to weigh in on this? Can we expect Christian Pulisic to be a part of this roster? Or are there any other of the veterans that we probably are not expecting to see come next week?

34:16Mauricio Pochettino:well Marisa Pochettino's history has been that if you're not playing for your club or that if you're dealing with an injury then you don't get called in and so you know I think there's a couple guys I think Pulisic could fall into that category I mean he's he's back training he you know he was on the bench you know for the Juventus match you know we'll see what happens this weekend if he actually ends up playing but it would not surprise me to see him left at home the same goes for West and McKinney. He was in the stands for that game between AC Milan and Juventus. And so, again, that would not surprise me to see Weston McKinney left out.

34:53Mauricio Pochettino:But guys like Chris Richards, I think, have to be there. I think guys like Tyler Adams have to be there. I mean, those guys are really the leaders. I think they are the emotional center of this team. I don't think it's so much Christian Pulisic. I think Pulisic is a guy who, you know, at times has led by example, you know, with his play. But, you know, when I think of guys, when I think of players that, you know, really communicate with their teammates, you know, check in on them, you know, Tyler Adams was fantastic at the 2022 World Cup. You know, Chris Richards has captained the team at times as well.

35:30Mauricio Pochettino:So I look at those two guys as being guys to definitely come in, and health permitting and really try to help move this team forward at a critical juncture when you're bringing in a lot of young players. I understand what Jeff is saying. And I'm not trying to make Pulisic into an emotional leader because I don't think he's ever going to be that. But he is your best player. He is your best player. He's a Captain America. And so him walking into the dining room makes a difference for the young guys. his presence and he doesn't even have to say anything he is Christian Pulisic and so these guys when they look around they go oh Pulisic is here this must be big time and so and I also need to if I'm Pochettino I need to demand from my best player because if I'm making cases for the young guys this is how you carry yourself in the national team can this is what the expectations is.

36:33This is what we demand from you. I need to demand that from Christian Pulisic as well, because that's the example I'm trying to set. It can't be that it just applies to Yunus Musa because he has to prove himself. It has to apply to Christian Pulisic because he has to prove himself. If you don't do that, this is when you have double standards. And when you create double standards, you create problems. All right. Well, I'll tell you what is a problem. Mauricio Pochettino looks like he's slapping me on the head right now with this one. So we're probably going to end this discussion right now. Jeff Carlisle, thank you so much for hanging out with us.

37:07Like we said, look out for Jeff's article. It drops tomorrow over on ESPN.com. Something else that's coming up on our networks is NWSL action. The Washington Spirit and Trinity Rodman up against Boston Legacy. That's 1 p.m. Eastern time over on ESPN2. From first call to final invoice, Service Titan is the only integrated intelligence that automates your entire workflow. Built for visionaries, ready to stop operating and start automating their success. Service Titan, AI for the trades. There's nothing worse than waking up sick. In this time of year, with the kids back in school surrounded by hundreds of others, yours may bring home a whole new world of viruses and bacteria your family may have no immunity to.

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38:42Still talking U.S. men's national team because a pair of their players were in action in the Champions League. Serginio Dest and Ricardo Pepe, as well as PSV, are hosting Shakhtar Donetsk. This is in the league phase. Bit of controversy here now, Ale, because Serginio Dest carrying the ball through the midfield. Gomez slides in with a tough challenge. He goes down. PSV wanted a foul, but the play kept going. I really don't care about your controversy because the only thing that really matters here is that Gleiker Mendoza. And why is that important? Vamos, Venezuela! All right. I was trying to, like, you know, stay on topic, but...

39:20Vamos, Venezuela! Vino tinto! Wait a minute. It's a good challenge. I don't know what the controversy is. Great finish. I don't know what the controversy is, seriously. You kidding me? It's a good challenge. All right. Well, Vieira says it as well. There you go. So Venezuela gets that one, but you can't write him off. Serginio Dez comes roaring back for PSV, and he scores. It's a good finish. Very good finish. That was a finish of a right back right there. Look at Serginio Dez opening up his foot, a little fade to it. It's a gorgeous finish. Gorgeous finish indeed. In the end, not enough for PSV to get the win, but still quite a goal from Serginho's desk there.

40:01And if you just have a look at how his time has been going with PSV this season, he is in a hot streak, three goals in all competitions. So is he back to his best, Casey? Well, yeah. I mean, he's obviously had some tough injury problems. He made the move to Barcelona. It didn't work out. He went back to Holland and has succeeded when he's been fit enough to be successful. Look, it's still a PSV side where he's listed as a right back, but he doesn't really play as a right back. He's kind of all over the place, and that's great if it works for you. I mean, as I was watching this game, yeah, this is on a set piece, so it's a little different.

40:45But I was watching this game as they had the ball. They definitely defended in a three and let Des just have the freedom of that right hand side. Well, you saw where he was out of position when the challenge came. And then that forced everybody around, which then gave it gave Shakhtar the opportunity and all these former countrymen to be able to. Because all of your you're American now, by the way. Not the former countryman. To be able to score that goal. All right. So, Ale. I'm sorry. Where do you want to take it there? Not Ale, looking at catching stories. But, yeah, Serginho Des, back to his best.

41:32Well, I don't. The best for Serginho Des seems to be really good for PSV. But I think there's a ceiling to it. And part of the reason as to why there is a ceiling to it is because this freedom that he has with PSV, He can have everywhere. And now Casey was talking about how he has the right side for himself. I would argue that it's not just the right-hand side. He starts coming inside. He's combining top of the 18-yard box. He almost plays more like a number eight, more of like a midfielder that sometimes goes out wide, sometimes goes back to defend, but he's more like, let's go in the attack.

42:09Now, that I think is useful to PSV and the way that they play. And the conversation about Serginio Dez and where he fits with the national team, I thought at times it was very effective down that right-hand side when he has somebody in Alex Freeman that was essentially covering his back and allowing Serginio Dez to have the freedom to go and find the game offensively. I think he's a different player. and the United States need more of that, guys that are different. When I say different, a guy who he is a player that you can't quite figure out what position he plays, but you know that in a 1v1 situation, he's good enough to get around.

42:52He has speed. He has service about him. He'll score a goal here and there. Has a lot of offensive capabilities, but playing him means that you're willing to sacrifice somebody who's going to cover his back, because if you're trusting him to defend, that is just not going to work. And I don't think this is a surprise to anybody else. So you might as well just give him the freedom to go forward and do the things that he does because if you're trying to put him out there to defend, he's only going to hurt you. Well, I don't think despite his great goal scoring form, Mauricio Pochettino is going to play him as an out-and-out number nine anytime soon.

43:23But someone who can fit that role, Casey, is Ricardo Pepe. He had a bit of a quiet night, at least in this game, but we do know that he is in some good form. So especially with the situation that's going on with Balogun and Monaco at the moment. Is there an opening for Ricardo Pepe to kind of make a push and leapfrog him into being that number one, number nine, four-punch? Absolutely. I mean, you, again, his league form has been good. Yeah, it was a quiet game today, but you can't expect, you know, you to be the best player on the pitch every time you step out on the pitch. But yeah, it's all you can do again, and I'll refer to it again, is play well for your club.

44:04and Ricardo Pepe has done that. Now you have to look at who's around you and who's playing well for their clubs as well when you talk about national team. And obviously the Balogun drama is opening the door for someone like Ricardo to come in and get meaningful minutes for the national team and to continue to prove. Ali, you pointed it out in the last segment. Every time you step on the pitch, you step into a camp, you go into camp, you're always proving yourself. You're always doing that every time. And if somebody's not there because of form or somebody's not there because of some sort of drama at the club level, that opens the door for you.

44:46And I think this is a good opening for Riccardo. Ale, especially for this international window, I know you're a fan of Riccardo Pepe. You compared him, of course, to Balogun. Says he brings a different layer there, but is it enough now? Well, what I think is important for Ricardo Pepe is that unlike Balogun, who seems to be hung up on the things that could have happened, may not have happened, didn't happen. I think Ricardo Pepe already went through this a couple of months ago with Fulham. And so now he's further along to where he's now accepted, well, this is it. And if this is it, let me make the best of it.

45:21So what's important for me, I think, for Ricardo Pepe is that goals, goals, goals, productivity, productivity, productivity, all the time with PSV. That is the most important and most convincing message that you can send to Mauricio Pochettino is doing that consistently for PSV. Not coming off the bench and doing it, but starting and doing it. You want to be a starter for the national team? You got to be starting for your club team and doing it on a weekly basis. You want to be the number one guy playing up top? Then you have to be the number one guy for PSB. And he hasn't always been the number one guy for PSB in the attack.

45:59So he has to be that. When he establishes himself as that, and there's no question that whenever they're putting together the starting line, who's starting up top? Well, we know Pepe's going to be there. Whenever he reaches that level for PSB, then he can raise his hand and say, hey, I'm your guy. Daddy, I am your guy. I am it. You need goals? I am it. That guy over there, he's still hung up on what didn't happen. I'm scoring goals over here. I think that's how you make a case for yourself. So the number nine debate rages on. We all had a clear-cut answer for like two months this summer, and then here we are again.

46:35I wouldn't say rages on. Let's just throw Serginio Dest into that debate as well. Why not? We have a lot of time there, Alexis, for it to raise. Life insurance is one of those things that's easy to put off because it doesn't feel urgent today. But it's not just another financial box to check. It's about having a plan in place so if life throws something unexpected at your family, they're not left dealing with the financial side without support. Ethos makes getting life insurance fast and easy. It's 100 % online, so you can get a quote in seconds, apply in minutes, and get same-day coverage. There's no medical exam.

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47:53At La Quinta by Wyndham, spacious suites give you room to spread out, catch the game, kick back and relax before another day on the job. Because after a long day, comfort makes all the difference. Plus earn Wyndham Rewards points with every qualified stay. Tonight La Quinta, tomorrow you shine. Book your next trip at LaQuinta.com. Terms and conditions apply. All right. I love a rager myself. Anyways, let's rage on with some run it back, shall we? Because some other CONCACAF stars were doing bits abroad. Alphonso Davies, Ale, scoring for Bayern Munich in the Champions League. And let me just say that when we were prepping the show, he wasn't going to make the show up until he did this.

48:34Lord, he hits it so beautifully. So beautifully of the short hop and catches it. so cleanly, this, and I know Casey's going to agree with me, is a courtesy dive. Courtesy dive. By the time the goalkeeper got there, I was already too late. Alright, Casey, I'm not going to let you weigh in on that one, but this one, Alex Freeman, he came on as a halftime sub, making his Champions League debut, and what was the loss for Villarreal to Dortmund? Yeah, but I'm, I mean, I think Alex Freeman, if I remember correctly, didn't start the first league match for Villarreal, but has really kind of worked himself into starting several matches Obviously, he wasn't in the start for this, but then got his way in.

49:13And so, yeah, I'm very happy because I was a little worried that potentially Freeman would be loaned out. But it's clearly he's proving himself at Villarreal. Two yellow submarines there. Isn't that interesting? Jonathan David, Herc is not here to celebrate him, but he made his debut for Atletico Madrid. And what was the loss at Anfield? Well, he was out there. Ale's a debut. Calma. He ran around. He did a whole lot of, not a whole lot. I mean, look, I understand that we want to highlight the fact that he got on the field, but that was about it for Jonathan David. You know, to make it like on song, I was going to go to Casey for this one, but Ale, I'm going to stick with you because it is Mexico, Santa Jimenez.

49:59He got some, I want to say valuable minutes. It was only 18 minutes in what was Porto's loss to Man City. He was out there. Again. He got in. He did a whole lot or not a whole lot. Look, I know we want to talk about Santa Jimenez because he got on the field, but that's about it. Algo Salgo, look at him. He's smiling again. I mean, that's what you want to see if you're big Rafa, right? Well, Casey Fidalgo, he made his Champions League debut with Real Betis, and they won, and Betis looking nice. Yeah, Betis are having a really good start to the season. and coming off that, you would have thought that maybe coming off that 1-0 win over Real Madrid that it would be emotional to kind of fall flat.

50:46But, you know, good win. And obviously, Fidalgo helping in that win. Good win, indeed. Well, let's talk about Laorminga Gonzalez, shall we? Because he got a brace for Olympiacos in this Greek Cup win over Volos. You know it's Fútbol Américas when we're showing highlights of the Greek Cup. I would like you to know that my boy Leon Bailey has also signed with Olympiacos, so let's hope he makes these highlights. All right. As well. Ale, algo, algo? No, I know. Look, great. Hey, he got on the field scoring goals. That's good. Yep. La Armiga. I'm not going to get nearly as excited. Huh? What? He got an assist, too.

51:25Okay. All right. Good job, La Armiga. All right. This was an absolute thriller between Chelsea and Leeds. Goals galore. A 6-3 loss for Leeds. but Casey, Brendan Aronson found the back of the net, albeit in a League Cup exit now. Look, I really like how Brendan Aronson has kind of reproved himself at Leeds, signed a new contract, chipping in with goals and assists. So, albeit tough loss to a very good Chelsea side, still happy to see Brendan succeeding. Yes, indeed. Tough loss, but good goal. All right, well, La Liga is coming your way on Sunday, 3 p.m. Eastern time. Real Sociedad and Pellegrino Matarazzo up against Cholo Simeone and Atletico de Madrid.

52:08We also have Obed Vargas, Johnny Cardoso. Just CONCACAF players everywhere. Jonathan David. Let's see if he can get on the pitch and do a bit more so Alec can be a bit more complimentary about him. That game is at 3 p.m. Eastern time.

52:25Let's talk about the Ballon d 'Or because the nominees are out. The shortlist is out. Some of the usual suspects like Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembele, Bruno Fernandes, I just want to say, all making that list. Laminya Mal, of course. And no surprise that the magician that is Lionel Messi has made the shortlist once again. And like I said, that is no surprise because he is who he is. But the question is, how much of a case can we make or does he have, Ale, to win it? Can I just address that we first have to define what a shortlist is. we're spoilt for choice Ale I mean honestly it was 60 before 30 there are 30 players around the world that could win the Ballon d 'Or according to this list please it's maybe 3 I'll go I'll go as far as 5 we'll get there but we're having conversation about Dayo Bamecano we're having conversation about Ferran Torres Harry Kane Marco Curella no wait a minute that's a different category this is the short list short list.

53:33Okay. No, so my point is, as it pertains to Lionel Messi, I was going to get there, taking the sinning route, but I was going to get there eventually. If players like Rodri are going to be not only in this list but at top of this list, if guys like Ferran Torres are going to be in this list, it is because of their World Cup performance in the case of Rodri over the course of the whole World Cup. And in the case of Ferran Torres, for scoring the game-winning goal in the World Cup final. Not because of having a great World Cup, because up until that final, he had not had a good World Cup. I happen to believe that Lionel Messi was better than everybody else in the World Cup.

54:14I thought he was the best player in the World Cup. And if we're going to weigh so heavily, whatever happened in the World Cup, so much so that we now include Rodri into this list of the Ballon d 'Or. And the reason I'm having an issue with Rodri is because Rodri had a really difficult club season with Manchester City. he happened to have a great World Cup. Well, I think that Lionel Messi was even better than Rodri, regardless of the fact that Lionel Messi was not given the golden ball. If indeed we're going to weigh this so heavily that Rodri is number three in terms of the favors to win the Ballon d 'Or, then why is there not a conversation to be had about Lionel Messi?

54:51I'm just, look, I don't think Lionel Messi should win it, but I'm following the pattern. and following the path and the pattern that this Ballon d 'Or conversation and this shortlist has taken us down. If we're going to have conversations about Rodri, then we've got to have conversations about Lionel Messi as well. All right. I was just getting a quote quickly because Lionel Messi, well, has also been the topic of conversation for a certain Zinedine Zidane. Indeed. Now, I'm going to read it because I'm going to have to translate this in a bit. But, Casey, what Ale just said is that Messi does have a case to win this Ballon d 'Or.

55:24Do you agree? No. Well, Zidane says that he would vote for Messi a hundred times. He believes that people don't quite understand the incredible that he is and what he's doing at 39 years old. No, absolutely 100%. I think Ali made very, very good points, but it also doesn't mean that Messi should be winning the Boulon d 'Or at this stage. Yes, he was a very good player at the World Cup and arguably the best, if not one of the best. And yes, Rodri had barely played this whole season. So yes, Ali makes very, very valid points. But right now, Lionel Messi is not the blown door. I think you could move Rodri over to the other side.

56:18You could move Alise over to that side. You could move Bellingham over to the left. But I like the combination with Harry Kane and Laminya Mall and Mbappe there. But yeah, Messi, maybe in that top 10, I'd slide him just down a few spots. But to win it, no. And I agree. I don't think Messi is going to win it, nor should he win it. But you believe there's a case, and a stronger case than I think some people think. Well, I'm just following their logic. Not my logic, their logic. What's your logic? My logic is Harry Kane. And if you want to make a stronger case for others, maybe la minya mal. But the reason I bring up Harry Kane, and while this is not Fútbol America's main topic of conversation, the English guy who plays in Bundesliga, All I'm saying in terms of Harry Kane is he is the one player of those guys who were at the top of that list who had an outstanding club season, historically good club season, and had a good World Cup.

57:29He had the combination that the others did not manage to do. And so in that sense, I think his argument is far stronger than it is for La Minha Mar, who had a great club season, but not a great World Cup. Rodri, who did not have a good club season and had a great World Cup, Harry Kane was able to put it together much better than everybody else. Therefore, that's where I think he should win the Ballon d 'Or. All right. Well, at least it seems like everyone's agreeing on that one. But you know what? This is football, Americas. So we got to give Julian Quiñones his flowers because, yes, indeed, El Mexicano made the short list after what really, though, Ale has been an impactful year, not just for club, But we saw him from Mexico this summer at the World Cup, and he treated us to some stunning performances.

58:16Again, we have to define what a short list is. Guys, it's football americans. Okay, but that doesn't mean that Julian Quiñones should be included in the conversation as the best players in the world. He had a great World Cup. He did. It's a Saudi Pro League that's holding him back. Is that what you're saying? That makes you believe. I mean, he got a Hold on. First of all Speaking of Fulhamerica, do you really want me to make an argument for the Saudi Pro League in Fulhamerica? You can only find success where you're placed. I know, and he did well Got golden boot Golden boot in the Saudi Pro League Si?

58:55Do we then recycle the conversation by Lionel Messi and how dominant he is in MLS? Yeah, I mean, algo es algo Okay, so hold on a second. You're bringing up a conversation and making an argument for Julian Quiñones, but not making the same argument for Lionel Messi? Who said I wasn't making the argument for Messi? No, no, no. I'm just merely suggesting. Look, Julian Quiñones had a really good World Cup. And league. Scoring impactful goals for Mexico. Had a good league season in the SOTY Pro League. However much that's worth, I couldn't tell you how to quantify that. But Julian Quiñones, I can tell you with certainty, certainty, that he is not among the best players in the world.

59:39And I think that is not a crazy statement to make, even if this hurts Fútbol Américas and the Fútbol Américas crowd. This is probably going to be the easiest thing for Casey to agree with. But Alexis, one of the most important things about this is it definitely has arose celebrations in Colombia for Julian. Oh, geez. He had to go there, didn't he? Wow. Oh, my geez. Facts. Why are you bringing facts into the conversation? I'm just going to. Why are you bringing facts? Yeah, you don't want facts. No, we don't want that. Colombia and Mexico. Look at that. Multicultural. Just like Ale. Venezuela, USA.

1:00:18Me, Jamaica, El Salvador. Look at that. I'm more just all Venezuela, to be honest with you. We're not going to get into that right now. But big up, Julian Quiñones. I think you deserve it, Julian. All right. All right, well, ESPN FC, that's our other show. It is on seven days a week. You can find it over on the ESPN app. With Instacart Shopper Notes, you can be specific about what kind of steak you want, like asking your shopper to get you thick cuts of steak, bright red marbling you can see from across the room, a fat cap that knows exactly what it's doing. While you're at it, ask for a cut that can single-handedly carry the cookout on its back, something so tantalizing.

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1:02:29All right, Antoine Griezmann. He's taken to the MLS like a duck to water. But this clip of him went absolutely viral as he struggled with the heat down in Florida. Welcome to Florida, Antoine. It gets hot. You know what it is? It's the humidity that really gets to you. It didn't seem to be enjoying this. Let me tell you, that was also the face that launched a thousand reels and memes. But that brings us to the tales from the pitch. Because as you can see by Antoine's expression there, sometimes you go out there and your biggest opponent is not the 11 men on the other team. It is Mother Nature and the elements.

1:03:17And Casey, I know you know a thing or two about that as well. And a little birdie has told me that your Tales from the Pitch also has an honorable mention for one of our favorite Scotsmen, Craig Burley. Wow. Wow. Yeah, I had two particularly. One was against Scotland in 98 in D.C. when a heat wave came before the 98 World Cup. Shocker, it was nil-nil because nobody could move and everyone was like, oh my God, what is going on here? And then we had a second one in the Orange Bowl against Brazil in a Gold Cup semifinal where it was like one of those young Brazilian sides where you've got Kaká, Diego, Lucio, Juan all trying to prove themselves with the national team and players just melted.

1:04:04And I remember coming out of the locker room in both these matches after warm-ups and just feeling like a furnace was just hitting you in the face. So you had warm-ups, you cooled down in the locker room, and you came out. And I think that was the worst thing that happened is just coming back out into that heat. Wow. You can't experience it unless you experience it. That was what it felt like. Can I just pass the ball side foot and go from there? Yes. The Scots do not do very well in the sun. But as I did perform, as I did promise, Craig Burley very much did play in that game. We didn't have those highlights of him because we didn't want him to upstage Casey in any way, shape or form.

1:04:43But here he is. Look at that. Craig Burley looking young and chipper. He's still miserable. He's still. But he was miserable now. That hasn't changed. He was miserable. Well, I don't know if he was more miserable then or now in the heat. He didn't look happy. I'll tell you that. It was the sun. It was the sun. Casey, how did he do that day? Yeah, I mean, you weren't judging anything on that day. You were just trying to survive and make it to the World Cup and not die of heat exhaustion. I mean, and again, it was the point. It said 89, but the heat index was well over 100 with the humidity and everything.

1:05:21And yeah, it was a monster. And I could only imagine if you were playing in Aberdeen last season and then you came into that heat that it was going to be tough for you to adjust. I don't know. I'd still rather play in that heat than in, like, snowmageddon because I'm not built for that. It's not for you. It's not for me. Snow, you see me sufriendo, Ale. Every winter. Every winter. All right, let's check in on Antoine Griezmann because he was in action. He managed to recover. Look how happy he looks now and cooler. This is him going up against Atlanta United. So you know that is one of the best stadiums ever in that dome.

1:05:58Seven minutes in, though. Atlanta takes the lead. Perfect miss hit, I think. And on goal as well. Indeed. 26 minute, though. Don't you worry. Our boy. Cool, calm, collected and getting the equalizer. It helps when you can run. It helps when you can move and you can actually get to the near post. Lighting finish 1-1. And breathe and enjoy some climate control. Indeed. 58 minute. this would be checked by VAR where is the back line I'm just asking a basic question where is everybody and he's on side he's on side played on by the fullback there and the goal is given so Orlando up 2-1 77th minute now Orlando forcing the turnover Grizzly and Justin Ellis here with some nice passing and our Frenchman gets his second of the night.

1:06:57That's a good combination. Did Antoine Griezmann just do the Heisman? What? Oh, yes, he did. You know he's a big fan. It's a little early for that. It's only been one weekend of college football. Just saying. Maybe he was just getting ready for NFL. They don't give out the Heisman in the NFL. Oh, there you go. Well, that just goes to show you. Guys, this is real football, America. Come on. I didn't even know that. Lord have mercy. I didn't know that. Lionel Messi up against Robert Lewandowski. Thank goodness I know this one. Nine minutes in, though. He Lewandowski. He puts Chicago up. It's good service on the left-hand side from Andrew Gutmann.

1:07:41But then the finish from Lewandowski. That's vintage Lewandowski, how he's able to control his body. More importantly, control the finish, put enough pace behind it. 1-0. 40th minute now. Leo Messi here with a little bit of magic, a chance, but it's saved by the keeper. I mean, doesn't that look like the Ballon d 'Or winner? Stop it, Alan. You're coming from a thing. It counts. It counts. If he had scored, it probably would eventually. There you go. He's got a little. You know what's amazing is that in the headlines of this game, it says, assist by Lionel Messi, leads, whatever. And Argentino assisting a Brazilian, things that we never thought we would see.

1:08:21It's a corner kick. A little bit of a kerfuffle here, Ian Frey. Oh, come on. Oh, get up. But then this is where things get a little spicy because you know somebody who will never back down from any little kerfuffle is Rodrigo de Paul, who you will eventually see popping right there. Yep. And taking him on. He starts asking Lewandowski, like, you know, who are you? Like, who do you think you are? Type of thing. which is very rich considering. If we're going to do a side-by-side comparison. Here's the thing. If you're going to mess with Rodrigo De Paul, you've got to be willing to live with the fact that Rodrigo De Paul is not right in the head.

1:09:02He was reminding Lewandowski that he has won two Copa Americas plus a World Cup. But let's be honest. I mean, if we're going to compare the two side-by-side, not what their countries have achieved, And Casey, you're going to tell DePaul to get lost all day, every day. This is Robert Lewandowski we're talking about. Yeah, yeah, there's not a real problem there. But kind of look at the two players' club resume that, yeah, Rodrigo DePaul is not going anywhere near Robert Lewandowski. But you're right, Ali. DePaul kind of has to always kind of feed into that. I'm going to cause trouble. I'm going to, you know, be that guy.

1:09:41And once again, he was that guy. If I may say so myself, if Robert Lewandowski is concerned about Fry going down and he's complaining about that, then you got to stay up when you get pushed. This whole, I'm going to complain about him going down, then I get pushed, then I'll go down. And then Rodrigo De Paul gets involved because he feels like, well, this is where I thrive. This is the environment. And this is the point that I wanted to make about Robert Lewandowski. You know Rodrigo Deport. Do you really want to get down in the gutter with Rodrigo Deport? Because see, in the gutter, Rodrigo Deport is happy.

1:10:19He is. He's thriving. No, he's thriving. He's got those eyes that don't really connect. One is going that way. The other one is going that way. You know his brain works differently down in the gutter. Oh, gosh. Whereas Robert Lewandowski doesn't need because of the things. He doesn't know the gutter. No, and he doesn't want to be there. So there is nothing to win here. for Robert Lewandowski. As for Rodrigo de Polo, it was a low-hanging fruit for him to go to the, oh, I've won the World Cup. Yes. And two Copa Americas. Which Lewandowski would not even be... Which, if you're going to bring that up...

1:10:57Which, for a Polish player, makes a lot of sense. Right, exactly. He could be like, oh, well, I know Polo and Ava, but I've won a Euro if they did. No, but not only that. If you... Wouldn't it be just as good just to say, I've won the World Cup? Why do you need to throw in the two-Cope Americas? What are the two-Cope Americas? He felt he didn't have an individual strong argument, so he had to just keep padding. Well, I'm just saying. You do a wonderful job. His resume was so thin. Exactly. All right. So that's a giant get lost. Come on. Come on. Yeah, but I'm saying, hey, Lewandowski, don't go down in the gutter with this guy.

1:11:32I'm just saying. Plain and simple. All right. Well, these are the supporters. Shields standing, as you can see. Ale, look at my club. Nashville. Oh. Sitting pretty. Sitting pretty. And explain to the people how Nashville is your club. Well, I went there. Oh, okay. At a grand time. Because you like cowboy boots. Because you like cowboy boots. Exactly. Nashville, invite me back, please. Pretty please. All right. Well, in case you missed it, this is like peak Caribbean. So this is for a plea for Dominica. The nature aisle. It says, football Twitter. I need urgent help. I need a goalkeeper with Dominican parents for an upcoming Nations League match or matches due to an unforeseen injury.

1:12:16An urgent replacement is needed. Now, I was going to say this is just peak CONCACAF, but this really isn't. This is 100 % Caribbean. This is Caribbean Football Union written all over it, man. But Dominica, they're great in crickets, nature aisle, gorgeous rainforest, really good food. But goalkeeper is Casey, man. Do you want to? I can't do it. You can't do it? Oh, man, not even like for charity. No, I don't qualify, unfortunately. No, I just don't qualify. If I qualified, I'd be there for him 100%. But just, no. Desperate times. Looking at Casey and listening to Casey over many years, what in the world does it look Dominican about him?

1:13:01I mean, Casey loves nature. Dominique is known as the nature isle. So there you go. Listen, desperate times call for desperate measures. They're literally on Twitter asking for this. He likes nature. He likes snowboarding. That's not Dominican. All right. Well, Casey doesn't qualify. If you're looking for a 56-year-old guy to come help you out, you've got bigger problems. I think they will take it. That's it for this edition of Football America because we're going to go and help the Dominican Football Federation out and look for a goalkeeper. But until then, we will see you guys again on Monday.

1:13:46A new podcast series from ABC Audio in 2020 goes inside a case that has captivated the nation. To many people, Luigi Mangione is a modern-day Robin Hood. People were cheering the demise of this person they'd never met who was a father of two and a husband and had a life and was just doing a job. From the manhunt ending in a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, to what authorities are saying about a possible motive. I'm ABC News legal analyst Brian Buckmeyer. Listen to Burden of Proof, Luigi Mangione, wherever you get your podcasts.